Agricultural Production Systems

Research

Agricultural Production Systems research at Newcastle covers a wide range of both crop and livestock production, with a particular focus on optimising sustainable farming practices through Integrated Farm Management , farmer engagement with agri-environment schemes, innovative cropping systems for nutrient-use-efficiency and improved grazing strategies for dairy management.

Facilities

We perform research at a range of scales from the molecule to the farm. We have access to first-class facilities including:

• two commercial farms equipped to conduct cutting-edge science under real-world conditions in Northumberland
• world class facilities on the university campus, for:
  • molecular biology
  • diagnostics
  • soil science
  • proteomics
  • analytical chemistry
• a grazing/ arable hub

Partnerships

The research challenges in this area are significant. To address them, we developed partnerships to widen our research capacity. They help us better realise impacts from research we undertake.

Institute for Agri-Food Research Innovations (IAFRI)

The Institute is a partnership with Fera Science Limited.

Fera is a translational science company working in the agri-food space. It is part of a joint ownership with UK Defra.

This partnership provides an interface which allows Fera to access pure and strategic research from the University.

It gives the University access to translate innovations to front line uses. These are for commercial and government customers.

Agritech centres

We are a founding partner in two of the four UK agritech centres. They resulted from a £90m investment by the UK government. They meet challenges of sustainable agriculture in the UK.

As a result, Newcastle University leads on several capital assets owned by the:

• Centre for Crop Health and Production (CHAP)
• Centre for Innovation in Livestock (CIEL)